PHILIPSBURG--The meeting between the Central Committee and utilities company GEBE which was tentatively scheduled for today, Monday, has been postponed until further notice, much to the chagrin of the opposition Democratic Party (DP).

The party had requested a meeting since last year with all government-owned companies, to get first-hand knowledge of their workings, financial standing, investments and future planning. All companies except GEBE have complied with this request to appear before the committee.

DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams said her party had been "left in the dark" as to the reason(s) for this postponement, although the communication from GEBE had indicated that the meeting "could be held on March 22."

The opposition party "regrets that, at this time when Government needs to proactively deal with the matters of GEBE's tariff structure and concession, the Island Council is denied the opportunity to deliberate with this government-owned company on the matters affecting the people of the island."

Government needs to decide on GEBE's tariffs and the concession fee promptly, to avoid serious financial consequences for GEBE related to its financiers.

"How can a government be so insensitive to the needs of the people, at a time when electricity rates change from month to month and consumers are left groping in the dark?" Wescot-Williams asked in a press statement Sunday.

"We await with much anticipation Government's decision on these matters, and its decision to collect NAf. five million in concession fees from GEBE. Will this mean an even higher electricity bill for the consumer?"